Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

May 15, 1795

Death

:

May 17, 1866

 

Adolph Bernhard Marx was a German composer, music theorist, and critic who lived from 15 March 1795 to 17 May 1866. He was born in Halle, Germany, to a family of musicians. His father, Johann Marx, was a violinist and conductor, and his mother, Johanna, was a singer. Marx showed an early interest in music and began studying piano and composition at a young age. Marx's musical education began at the Halle Gymnasium, where he studied with the composer Johann Friedrich Reichardt. He then went on to study at the University of Berlin, where he was a student of the philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel. Marx was deeply influenced by Hegel's philosophy, and his music reflects this influence. Marx's early compositions were influenced by the music of Ludwig van Beethoven and Franz Schubert. He wrote a number of piano sonatas, string quartets, and songs during this period. In 1825, Marx published his first major work, a treatise on music theory called Die Lehre von der musikalischen Komposition, praktisch-theoretisch. This work established Marx as a leading music theorist of his time. In 1827, Marx was appointed professor of music at the University of Berlin. He held this position for the rest of his life, and his lectures on music theory and history were highly influential. Marx was also a prolific writer, and he contributed articles and reviews to a number of music journals. Marx's most famous work is his oratorio, Die Schöpfungsgeschichte, which was first performed in 1837. This work is based on the biblical story of creation and is scored for soloists, chorus, and orchestra. Die Schöpfungsgeschichte is notable for its use of chromatic harmony and its innovative use of orchestration. Marx also wrote a number of other choral works, including the cantata Der Tanz in der Dorfschenke and the oratorio Das Leben Jesu. He also wrote a number of instrumental works, including the Symphony in E-flat major and the Piano Concerto in A minor. Marx's music is characterized by its use of chromatic harmony and its innovative use of orchestration. He was also known for his use of counterpoint and his ability to create complex musical structures. Marx's music was highly influential on later composers, including Johannes Brahms and Richard Wagner. In addition to his work as a composer and music theorist, Marx was also a prominent music critic. He wrote reviews of concerts and operas for a number of music journals, and his opinions were highly respected. Marx died in Berlin in 1866. His legacy as a composer, music theorist, and critic continues to be felt today. His music remains an important part of the classical repertoire, and his contributions to music theory and history continue to be studied and debated by scholars and musicians alike.

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